Hi everyone

Im looking to change the cam cover on my 2012 slim FLS. I’m wondering what size torque wrench I should get?

thanks

Phil

 

I'm not sure what the torque specs on on those bolts, but I would highly recommend both at 1/2 and a 3/8 drive wrench. Just ONE broken bolt or machine screw, and you'll wish you had.

 

Thank you for the tip

 

The torque spec on my M8 cam cover is 90-120 inch pounds. I use something like this 1/4" drive to cover that range: I also have a 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrench to cover light to heavy inch pound torque jobs on the bike.

 

You'll get a lot more use out of a 1/4" and 3/8" than you will a 1/2" drive. There's quite a bit of that 120 in.lb. spec'd bolts which is 10ft.lb. and you want a torque wrench that you aren't using the extreme low end or top end of the range. They tend to be less accurate there.
Beam is better than clickers too.

 

The thing about beam type torque wrenches is that they are a pain in the *** if you are working in a tight spot and you can`t see the marks.

45 years working on jet engines has taught me to hate those things with a passion.

Beam type are for big shops that buy a lot of wrenches, because they`re cheaper.

Do yourself a favor and buy micrometer click type, and take care of it like the instructions say.

No digital crap that needs batteries either.

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. I plan on doing some shopping in the next day or two. Again, thanks for the advice. I gotta say, I was slightly reluctant to join a forum but I’m glad I did already. And this is just the beginning!

 

FWIW....

I used a beam torque wrench for years.... no problems really, other than reading the scale..

Then about 15 years ago, sears had a sale.... I got a 1/4" inch lb, a 3/8" ft lb, and a 1/2" ft lb clicker style torque wrenches... used them until recently...

The I decided to upgrade the 1/2" and 1/4" to a digital w/light & beep The 1/2" also has torque + angle capabilities... not cheap, but kinda nice. I actually like them better than the clicker style except for the battery issue, I'm sure the batteries will die right when I need a torque wrench.... but I still have the clickers as a back up...

IMHO... for best bang for the buck, get a clicker style.... and don't forget to store it with the tension released to preserve the calibration...

Of course, if you have a tool sickness like me, you can always get a drawer full of torque wrenches...

 

Reading the beams can be a pain I agree and like hattitude, I've got a collection of both. I do have more clickers but I also have one in particular, a 1/4" drive I bought specifically for the range discussed here that was so far off right out of the box it wasn't even funny.
I do have a very reliable/accurate 3/8 drive tho.
Can never have too many tools.

 

This is true, my bad. Back in the day I used to do a fair amount of marine work with the 1/2", the OP will find a the 3/8 and 1/4" torque wrench much more useful for motorcycle work.